Bill > H45

This bill modifies how occupational licensing boards and state agencies handle criminal histories when making licensing decisions. Specifically, the bill amends G.S. 93B-8.1 to prohibit boards from automatically denying licensure based on a determination that a conviction is for a crime of "moral turpitude" and instead requires a more nuanced approach. When considering an applicant's criminal history, licensing boards must now conduct a detailed review that includes factors such as the seriousness of the crime, its date, the applicant's age at the time, the circumstances of the crime, its relevance to the occupation, the applicant's rehabilitation efforts, and subsequent criminal history. The bill mandates that boards provide written findings explaining their decision if they choose to deny licensure, and requires boards to specify on their applications and websites the factors they consider and the appeals process. Additionally, the bill adds a provision allowing individuals to petition a board for a predetermination of whether their criminal history might disqualify them from obtaining a license, with the board required to respond within 45 days. Throughout multiple sections of North Carolina law, the bill systematically removes references to "moral turpitude" and standardizes language around criminal convictions, effectively making the licensing process more transparent and potentially more equitable for individuals with criminal records.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H45